Nature The low testing rates of Mpox suspected cases remain a key factor in the continued spread of the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries. Here, we highlight the causes, as well as the challenges and strategies needed to curb the spread of the current uncontrolled Mpox outbreak in the DRC.
DRC is the country of Mpox genesis and the current worldwide epicenter
Mpox is a highly contagious zoonotic disease transmitted to humans through the handling and/or consumption of meat from animals carrying the virus. Human-to-human contamination occurs through close contact, including sexual contact, exposure to bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory particles, and contaminated objects1. Discovered in 1970 in Equator Province in DRC, the Mpox virus (MPOXV) has caused many outbreaks around the world2 and the ongoing outbreak remains the worst in history3. On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The DRC remains the epicenter4 with 59.3% of all confirmed cases in Africa and 46.5% of all deaths3. Despite numerous public health interventions initiated to break the chain of transmission, Mpox continues to spread, claiming thousands of victims in the country. This comment describes the current state of DRC’s vulnerable position at the heart of Africa, highlighting the epidemiological trends, related regional risks, and resource-related challenges in responding to the Mpox outbreak, and proposes some potential strategies to help curb further transmission of Mpox within the country and beyond.